Imagine waking up to sunshine gently rising over Lookout Mountain. You step onto plush carpet in a clean and homelike apartment, professionally maintained by an efficient and thorough housekeeping staff. As you descend into the main lobby you are immediately greeted by the cheerful staff and presented with the day's activities.

This is the type of daily scenario that welcomes the Independent Living residents.  Independent Living offers an escape from the world of rush-hour traffic, lawn maintenance, and daily chores. Of course, living a retirement that is fun and worry free involves more than just freedom from housekeeping and maintenance. It also involves a secure and fun community setting which offers recreation and pleasure centered in a friendly and open environment. 

Residents gather for the monthly "On Line" meeting which serves as a forum for discussing life at St. Barnabas.

The goal of an Independent Living community is to offer a lifestyle that surrounds the resident with support, comfort, and security. It is a place for residents who are healthy enough to continue to live their independent lives but who also desire a setting that will meet their social and community needs. The Independent Living resident benefits from a culture that promotes the well being of the entire person. The staff and residents work to know their neighbors on a personal level. It is not uncommon for get-well cards to be sent to a sick resident or a family member to host a birthday party and invite the entire building. These informal support systems arise from the belief of doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do.  

Each resident's comfort and safety is top priority. The residents are provided with support that promotes their dignity and independence while accommodating choices and interests. The residents reside in private apartments arranged in a studio or one-bedroom floor plan. Utilities, basic cable, and weekly housekeeping are provided. Stove, refrigerator, and blinds are furnished. All showers and tubs are equipped with safety grab bars. Handrails are conveniently positioned in all corridors and elevators. All bedrooms and bathrooms include an emergency button that notifies the lobby desk of an emergency. Meals, shopping, hairdressing, check cashing, and other needs are provided for within the building. Staff is on duty 24 hours to respond to any emergency or other need the resident may have.

St. Barnabas maintains alliances with health providers, providing on-site services to residents. Semi-monthly podiatry visits are arranged for residents who require such services. Home health, rehabilitation, therapy, and pharmacy services are also available. Assistance with locating appropriate medical care is also provided.

A lounge, complete with a piano, computer, pool table, and wide-screen television, is located on the main floor. This area is used for a variety of community activities that include exercise, sing-alongs, Bible study, Bingo, and movies. All residents are invited to a monthly Birthday Tea that honors residents celebrating birthdays during their special month. Area churches host  the event. 

The apartment lobby is a popular area for socializing, boasting two TV viewing areas, internet access, grand piano, game/puzzle area, pool table, and patio areas.

St. Barnabas Apartments has its own commissary, “The Place.” The Place is resident-managed and volunteer-operated, and includes a wide variety of staples ranging from canned goods to cold drinks. The commissary underwent a major expansion in 2004 that increased the floor space and now allows the residents to come in and shop versus ordering from a window. The commissary staff shops weekly for non-stocked items that the residents desire. Each Monday groceries are purchased and the individual orders are delivered directly to the apartments. 

"The Place"
Established January 1969, The Place features aisle shopping and is open 5 days/ week. This resident-run commissary is a great convenience as an "in house" grocery.

No senior living facility would be complete without a tempting  dining program. St. Barnabas offers cafeteria-style dining at a nominal fee. Meals can be purchased in the dining room or delivered directly to the resident's apartment. All charges are conveniently posted to the monthly bill. 

Even though all of the basic needs are provided for within the St. Barnabas campus, independent residents also have the option of enjoying the local  community. The convenient downtown location allows residents to take advantage of a wide variety of shops, stores, and entertainment. Residents often organize informal trips to baseball games and cultural events. For residents desiring a longer trip, weekly transportation is provided to Food Lion, Kmart, and Bi-Lo. 

The St. Barnabas Beauty Shop handles clients in its basement location, and remotely at the Nursing Home